As general manager for global climate policy, Andrew knows his role is more than just a job as he sees the tangible effects of what he does, alongside the positive effect of what being part of a proactive co-operative achieves for the rural community he lives in, and those throughout the country.
"I am fortunate that I can do a role that has a positive impact on my own community, on the country, and a global effect too. It's pretty amazing."
- Andrew Kempson, General Manager Global Climate Policy
"It's very real work when it comes to the impact for our farmers. It's being discussed at the local pub, or the fish and chip shop and I get to hear that when I am out in my own community, which is great."
Starting with Fonterra 12 years ago as an area manager, his progression within the Co-op soon became focussed around sustainability. Andrew worked as a sustainable dairy advisor, sustainability programme lead and the productivity programme manager before taking on the general manager global climate policy role mid-2022.
"I am a country boy at heart. I grew up in provincial New Zealand. My work also gives me a great responsibility, to work on the best outcomes for our farmers, to think forward to what our future food systems look like."
"There are multiple things about this role that I really like. The main one being that I am able to influence outcomes for our farmers on a larger scale, and we have conversations happening around the world about the work we do here in New Zealand."
Working as part of a strong co-operative is always rewarding, he says.
"Our Co-operative is very clear on its purpose. We work to empower strong outcomes for our farmers - we are working with, and for, the people who work the land and provide us with our milk. That purpose is always in focus, and it creates the foundation for all that we do."
Andrew's role is varied but includes advising on public policy from a farmers' perspective, where pragmatic and sensible advice is given, that aligns with Fonterra's strategic direction.
"We all understand the pressure that is being placed on farmers around emissions. For as us a co-op, it is about thinking about how we can get hands on in the mitigations space and work alongside sector partners, the Government and our farmers," he says. "Being able to articulate Fonterra's overall climate approach to emission reduction is important and aligns with our purpose."
Andrew's role also includes working through different opportunities, including trade access, trade agreements, and the ways that Fonterra interacts in global dairy platforms, showcasing why New Zealand's environmental standards in dairy production are renowned, and the ways that we are further working to improve on those.
"I am in a role where I have a chance to positively influence outcomes for our farmers, on a scale that is meaningful. The way Fonterra works is an incredibly powerful tool, supporting change on farms with sensible policy change, and I get to be part of that," he says.